Reinhard Early Childhood Center students in the Bellmore School District get an early grasp on advanced musical skills as they pick up and learn how to play the violin starting in second grade.

In the Reinhard auditorium, each Rising Star Leader is individually equipped with a violin and shown how to properly hold it in both a rest position and a playing position. Music teachers Kelly Kosmo and Joanna Rocco show students the correct way to place their fingers in the shape of an “L” on the fingerboard before plucking their first notes. As a group, students read out notes and rests in a basic measure as they learn the differences between each string. While playing, they are challenged to maintain an equal tempo. Picking up the new instrument at an early stage is one example of the many ways Bellmore Schools brings innovative learning to classes of all ages.

Photo captions:
1) Reinhard Early Childhood Center second graders get an early grasp on advanced musical skills as they learn the basics of the violin.
2) Music teacher Kelly Kosmo showed each student how to properly hold the violin.
3) Picking up the new instrument at an early age provides an engaging and exciting experience for second graders.

Photos courtesy Bellmore Public Schools

Date Added: 12/20/2024

Bellmore Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo – known affectionately by students as Dr. Joe – visited first graders at Reinhard Early Childhood Center to teach values and principles through song on Nov. 20.

During routine visits to classrooms throughout the district, students make their excitement shown as Dr. Famularo steps in with guitar in hand. With first grade classes, Dr. Famularo discussed his authored children’s book, “I’m Ready, Are You?” The story focuses on the importance of curating a to-do list that helps achieve daily goals and tasks. While strumming his guitar, Dr. Famularo also reinforced the district’s Core Values and Leadership Principles and invited the students to sing along to their favorite, “Apples and Bananas.”